Monday, March 28, 2011

quick easy recipes

We're at the point now where Lewis can basically eat everything that we eat, which is such a relief. It was kind hard to get a meal ready and make sure the baby's food is done and ready on time as well. I've made it a point that he try all veggies, I'm always adding lots of interesting flavors , garlic, onions, bay leaves, turmeric, basil, parsley... and so much more! I really hope he doesn't become a picky eater!! For now I'm doing my part by introducing as much diversity as I can, always with nutrition and health at the top of my list. I've included quinoa, amaranth, spelt, barley, most grains and cereals, and every legume as well.... future chef I tell you!!! Well till then I'm the chef, so easy, fast, simple recipes are just what i need and I usually manage pretty well. Here are a few to inspire you, and because I now cook for all of us together, I only add salt at the very end when I've removed his portion!!!

pasta with rappini (broccoli/cauliflower/swiss chard)

this is so simple,

~boil water in a large low casserole.

~ meantime cut up your veggies to match the size of the pasta (example if using penne make sure you cut up the veggies so they are not longer than the pasta, it makes for an easier time with forking it all up:) soak them in cool water. Then strain.

~when the water comes to a boil, throw pasta in and check cooking time. At the halfway mark add the veggies right in with the pasta.

~while that's getting done, chop up some garlic .

~strain casserole contents when ready. AL DENTE PLEASE!!!

Then add garlic and some olive oil to casserole and toss it all up together, remove portion for baby puree or chop up nice and fine and it's ready to be fed to your baby.

~with the rest of the pasta veggie mix you can add salt and even a little spicy pepper!!! Grate a little parmigiano on top and voila: quick, easy, healthy, and delicious!!!

Here's another great one:

quick minestrone packed with goodness

~one chopped up onion

~a few cloves of garlic, chopped

~a few carrots, sliced

~a green pepper, chopped

~sting beans chopped up in 1 inch pieces

~2-3 potatoes peeled and chopped

~1 can of crushed tomatoes

~1 can of cannelli beans

~1 can of mixed beans

~some fesh basil and parsley

~a few bay leaves

~a little olive oil (use a good one)

~ a pinch of thyme

~ a pinch of oregano

~ a dab of tumeric

Stir fry the onions, garlic, and oil, add potatoes and carrots let stir fry all together for a couple of minutes on med/high heat. Add spices (except basil and parsley). Then add green pepper and the tomato can and let that simmer a couple of minutes.

Now add 1 can of water, rinsing out the tomato can. Add the mixed beens and another can of water as well and the cannelli beans and one last can of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the green beans (you want them to have texture so they`re last to go in)

Last but not least, add your fresh basil and parsley.

For baby: remove the contents with a laddle careful not to have too much liquid. Puree all the veggies and beans together and there you have it! A super healthy veggie packed lunch or supper filled with lots of flavour and plenty of goodness!

For yourself: chop up fresh spinach and add it in at the very end where it's barely cooked (keeping all the nutrients) and sprinkle some cheese preferably romano or if not parmigiano!

So here are 2 quick, easy, simple recipes that are packed with flavor, nutrients, goodness and love for both baby and you. Go ahead try them! Let me know!